What signifies legal title to a property?

The deed held by the owner signifies legal title to a property because it is a formal document that provides evidence of ownership. The deed contains detailed information about the property, including its legal description, the names of the parties involved in the transaction, and any pertinent covenants or restrictions. When an individual or entity holds the deed, they have the recognized legal right to control, use, and transfer the property as allowed by law.

In the context of manufactured housing and real estate, holding the deed is crucial because it establishes who has the authoritative claim over the property. This document must be recorded with the appropriate local government office to provide public notice of ownership and protect against future claims or disputes over the property.

Other options, such as registration with the local government or a contract signed by an agent, may be related to property ownership or transactions but do not convey legal title. Registration may be a necessary step in the process but does not, in itself, signify ownership. Similarly, a contract signed by an agent could represent an agreement for the sale or management of the property but does not establish legal title. Lastly, the appraisal value pertains to assessing the property's market value rather than determining ownership rights.